Monday, July 14, 2008

Beach House Accents You Can Afford

Joni Webb from Cote de Texas has been doing some mighty fine posting about beach houses HEREShe featured the work of Sally Wheat, including a house on the Texas Gulf on the Bolivar Peninsula. One of the many elements that caught my eye was this refreshing take on the sunburst mirror, done in weathered wood.The other day I got the Fall issue of the Pottery Barn catalog. I have a push-pull, love-hate relationship with my feelings towards Pottery Barn. On one hand I rant when people recreate the PB model room look. I also cannot afford many of the things, which makes me bitter. When PB prices are put in the perspective of a designer/decorator buying ready-to-wear, off-the-rack design elements for a client, the prices seem very reasonable for things that are decently made. I know many designers who "plug-in" with Pottery Barn merchandise when a client is on a realistic budget, and they do so with great effect. The trick is to pick and choose, and not copy the store display or catalog photo. Duh.So I had a chuckle when I saw this wood sunburst mirror (only $199.!) in the current Fall catalog, very much in the vein of the one Sally Wheat used. It is amazing how PB picks trends. The driftwood lamps are also very interesting ($299. table lamp, $799. floor lamp - kind of pricey when a lamp costs as much as an average priced couch).Joni also did a brilliant piece on the set design of the Hamptons beach house in the movie Somethings Gotta Give HEREThe decor in this movie has created design trends that are still being requested today by clients of interior designers and decorators, as well as being attempted by the DYI home talent out there.Many things have become iconic: including the flat weave cotton blue and white stripe rug.Again, Pottery Barn has the first rug of this type at a very good price point. The stripes are the correct width awning stripe, though the pattern is staggered. Staggered stripe dhurrie rugs are authentic, though not used in the SGG rooms. The PB rugs are not blue and white; the other color choice (black, orange, cherry red, or green) would allow you do an inspired-by room, instead of a knock-off. Prices range from $29. to $179., an incredible deal for so much style and PB quality. Also notice many other SGG type accents Pottery Barn has: black finishes, pendant lights, slipcovers, baskets, etc.This is another photo from the current PB Fall catalog. It is so painterly looking. It jumps off the page! I thought I was looking at a Fifi Flowers painting, or one by PVE or Anne Harwell. It has nothing to do with anything, other than I liked it.

Visual Vamp featured at Hill Country House

Visual Vamp in June 2011 CUE Magazine

Visual Vamp featured in The Times Picayune

Mod Vintage Life Book Club

Join in and read the book Undecorate! Thanks for the mention - Click on image

Gotta Tango

Buy this book! Mama needs a new pair of size 7's, and Cholo needs a bisquit...

Valorie Hart Is The Visual Vamp

CONTACT ME if you need help with a project. I am a STYLIST for photo shoots, shop displays, home decor, events - HAVE STYLE WILL TRAVEL. I am a lifestyle WRITER, and image EDITOR. I have RADIO and TV experience. I have done set DECORATING and SCOUTING. Of course I have COMPUTER SKILLS. On line projects are welcome. This BLOG is my calling card and PORTFOLIO. Photo by Chris Golson at http://www.chrisgolson.com/

Visual Vamp in Save Domino

Hazelnut

Bryan Batt, Tom Cianfichi , and Peggy who own Hazelnut - click here for Bryan's site

This beautiful store was named after Bryan's grandmother Hazel Nuss - tell them The Vamp sent you

Shop with Brooke and Steve

So nice, and so much talent! Click on image to buy something beautiful!

Maria McBride Events - click on image

If you want a true expert and artist to plan, design, and decorate, or consult with your local vendors, for your wedding or any special event or branding and marketing needs, contact Maria, who has talent and will travel